AutoCAD
by: Jason Leinberger
How to Develop an Automation Plan for CAD Systems
I
have been automating CAD systems for 20 years, and I’m here to tell you: you’re probably doing your CAD automation process wrong.
The process I’ve seen most often goes something like this: A CAD technician goes to the CAD manager and complains about a task that takes a long time to complete. A decision is made to automate this task to increase efficiency. Sometimes the CAD manager can write a script or create a plugin that aids in the completion of the task. Sometimes the CAD manager will have to hire a developer to produce the plugin. This leads to a system that has a handful of helpful but compartmentalized plugins—all of which need to be maintained and may or may not improve your CAD system. In businesses large and small, I see this scenario time and time again.
18
Two years ago, I made the jump from CAD manager to full-stack developer. Picking up the knowledge of business processes showed me that many places are making the same mistake and have been looking at AutoCAD automation through the lenses of a CAD technician for way too long. Approaching it from a business process point of view has taught me the real value is in automating the whole process-- not just automating away problem areas.
PREREQUISITES: Before you decide on automating your CAD system, I suggest using this small list of tasks to help better align your end result. The better job you do with these tasks, the better your automation plan will be.
AUGIWORLD Magazine | January 2022 augi.com
